Dr. Aydah Alawadhi, a trailblazing Emirati oncologist, has transformed her career into a humanitarian mission, inspired by a poignant encounter with a young patient. Now the head of the Oncology and Hematology Department at Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC) in Abu Dhabi, Dr. Alawadhi’s journey began with a moment that reshaped her life. During her training in the emergency department, she met a young woman who had delayed seeking medical care due to her discomfort with male doctors. The patient’s plea, ‘If only you were an oncologist,’ resonated deeply with Dr. Alawadhi, who vowed to dedicate her life to cancer care. This encounter not only defined her career but also instilled in her a profound belief that every cancer patient deserves compassion, support, and hope. Dr. Alawadhi’s achievements extend beyond her clinical role. She heads the Scientific Committee and the Breast Cancer Working Group at the Emirates Oncology Society and serves on the Gulf Oncology Society Committee. Despite the UAE’s advancements in breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, she emphasizes the ongoing need for awareness about early detection, as many women still hesitate to seek medical help. Dr. Alawadhi credits her family for their unwavering support, particularly her husband, who stood by her through the emotional and professional challenges of her career. Balancing her demanding profession with motherhood, she underscores the importance of work-life balance, finding solace in travel, nature, and time with loved ones. Dr. Alawadhi’s story is a testament to resilience, empathy, and the transformative power of a single moment.
How a dying patient’s wish to see female doctor led UAE woman to become cancer specialist
